West Sussex Catch Report - 2nd February 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, February admittedly it’s not the best time of year fishing wise but there are still plenty of the smaller species keeping the rod tips rattling and thankfully it won’t be long till the fishing improves so why not get out and give it a go. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 3rd February: 02:26 (6.2m), 14:37 (6.0m)
• Tuesday 4th February: 03:09 (6.0m), 15:24 (5.7m)
• Wednesday 5th February: 03:55 (5.7m), 16:17 (5.3m)
• Thursday 6th February: 04:50 (5.3m), 17:20 (4.9m)
• Friday 7th February:  05:57 (4.9m), 18:40 (4.6m)
• Saturday 8th February: 07:18 (4.8m), 20:04 (4.7m) 

At the start of last week there was very strong winds on the smaller tides which made the water coloured and even though the sea has calmed there has still been a big swell at times. The recent storms have meant nearly the whole of the Worthing area has now lost its sand, meaning the beaches are rocky, old groynes exposed, and bait beds have been lost so worth checking any beaches you plan to fish beforehand. Weather is looking decent for next week with winds light and mainly from the northeast.

The most prolific species now is Whiting which can be caught throughout the region to almost any baits and both during the day and at night whilst the water remains coloured. Lots are small “pins” with the occasional better sized fish in amongst them. 

Dogfish also reappeared in reasonable numbers and like Whiting they will show from most venues, both day and night, whilst the water is dirty. 

Hopes were high after the recent storm that some bigger Congers would move in but bar the odd strap the fishing has been poor, and this winter has seen a lack of decent sized Eels compared to previous years. Despite this, Worthing Pier could be worth trying for a Conger with beaches worth a try during darkness. Live Whiting offers your best chance of hooking into an Eel and always remember to use suitable gear. 

There have been plenty of Dabs showing from East Sussex beaches such as Eastbourne, Pevensey, Seaford etc to bait such as black lug with the occasional fish likely to appear at Brighton, Hove and Shoreham.  

At this time of year one thing to look forward to is Plaice fishing but this is dependent on weather and water clarity with calm seas and clearer water needed for the Plaice to appear on local beaches in numbers at venues such as Shoreham, Hove and Brighton. As soon as conditions are perfect the fish should appear judging by previous years. Usually casting at range is often an advantage using baits such as black lug or king rag.

The River Adur is still fishing steadily with Flounders a worthwhile target ideally using baits such as White or Red Rag. Darkness tends to produce the better catches although Flounders can still be caught in daylight. Flounder should also be caught from the shore when the sea state calms and anglers will find a few when targeting Plaice. 

Rays have been hard to come by but could be a viable target from venues such as Selsey east beach, Pagham, Seaford and Eastbourne. Some small Thornbacks are possible with a chance of an Undulate from Selsey or Pagham. 

Despite decent conditions not many Bass have been caught with just a few Schoolies and the occasional sizable fish. Worth noting Bass are currently catch and release only, see accompanying picture for details. Bass could appear anywhere locally with venues in and around Shoreham Harbour and local rivers worth trying. 

Other species that could feature in catches will include Rockling to small worm baits and Pout. 

Prime Angling opening times are 8am till 5pm Monday to Saturday and 8am till 4pm Sundays. We are located at 26 Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PT, just to the east of Worthing Pier with limited customer parking available at the front of the shop. For bait availability it is advisable to phone us on 01903 821594. We also stock a large variety of frozen sea baits as well as a wide range of freshwater baits and tackle. 

Visit our online website at primeangling.co.uk with plenty of new stock regularly added so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. 

Please send us pictures of your recent local catches via our Facebook page messenger or email and we will aim to publish them for you in the weekly report. Please note we DO NOT claim ANY FISH used and mentioned in our reports are caught on our baits or tackle, it is a report to show what has and is likely to be caught locally. 

Good luck, Tight Lines!